As a typical representative of Chinese traditional clothing culture, cheongsam has fascinated people around the world with its outstanding form. Although there are still many disputes over the definition of cheongsam today, it remains one of the most splendid and formal dress cultures in China's long history. At first, the style of Chinese cheongsam had tight cuffs, narrowed edges, slightly embroidered patterns and slightly longer hemlines. In the late 1920s, influenced by Western skirts, cheongsam underwent more obvious changes, tightening waistline to highlight curves and simplifying decorations. Cheongsam became a fitted curve shape that first reflected women's features such as concave-convex lines and laid a foundation for today's basic characteristics and fashion trends in women's wear. After the 1930s and 1940s, Chinese cheongsam reached a perfect maturity in design becoming world-renowned classic attire - this was also the peak period for cheongsams. High-collared necklines with waists sucked-in tightly; short sleeves fastened with knots or buttons; slanting fronts often opened high on one side; some dresses were short while others were long; cutting styles followed western skirt designs emphasizing smoother lines which made Chinese Cheongsams fit better to display female beauty figures. When wearing a Chinese Cheongsam dress woman’s graceful figure…

We have introduced several casual dresses from the Ming Dynasty (Zhiduo/Zhishen/Taoist robes/stand collar Hanfu shirt) before. This article will introduce the history of the Ming Hanfu robes Yuanlingpao and its use as a formal dress for grand occasions. On many traditional ceremonial occasions, the most popular dress set for men is the Wushamao and Yuanlingpao, and for women, is the Fengguan Xiapei and Yuanlingpao.   Men's Formal Dress: Wushamao & Yuanlingpao [Structure and History] Wushamao (乌纱帽), is a Ming dynasty imitation of the Tang dynasty form of Futou (幞头), the shape is tall and dignified, behind the insertion of two straight and wide wings, mostly square or oval, can be said to be a standard issue for wearing Yuanlingpao. Yuanlingpao (round collar robes, 圆领袍), The origin can be traced back to the North and South dynasties and has been used as the formal dress of officials during the Tang and Song dynasties, and the round collar robes with Buzi (补子) were used as the regular dress of officials during the Ming dynasty and later as the formal dress of ordinary people. Yuanlingpao, also known as pan collar (盘领) Youren (右衽); with big sleeves; the body is slit below the waist…

The history of Chinese women's make-up is very long. After the rotation of dynasties, the traditional Chinese makeup has changed with the development of the times, reflecting the changes in customs and thoughts in each era. We will prepare a series of articles to introduce traditional Chinese makeup.   Ancient traditional Chinese makeup Throughout the ages, women have different ways and methods to make themselves more beautiful. Compared with the modern, ancient women are more conservative and implicit, but they also have their own set of "secret weapons". As early as in the cultural relics unearthed in the Warring States period, it can be seen from them that at that time, women had the habit of thrushing and use rouge. That is to say, more than 2000 years ago in China, cosmetics had appeared. Of course, ancient China was an agricultural society, always in a state of self-sufficiency, and cosmetics were no exception. At that time, cosmetics were mainly made of pure natural plant and animal oils, and some natural spices were added. The general production process includes boiling, fermentation, filtration, etc. compared with the modern cosmetics production process, it is still relatively simple. Therefore, compared with modern women, ancient…

Chinese Traditional earrings are of various types, both decorative and ceremonial, and have been an indispensable part of people's decorations since ancient times.   The popularity of Chinese Traditional Earrings The first appearance of earrings can be traced back to the Neolithic period. At that time, people's craftsmanship was limited to a certain extent, so earrings were usually in the shape of simple rings with notches and were called "Jue (玦)", mostly made of jade, but also bone, stone, agate, and ivory. Later, with the development of dynasties and civilizations, earrings became richer in style, with different styles such as earrings, earrings pendants, and so on. However, earrings have not always been a symbol of beauty in a long history. In ancient China, women's status was far inferior to men's, so people came up with the idea of piercing holes in women's ears and hanging earrings to remind them to act cautiously, in order to restrain their behavior. In the olden days, until a girl was 10 years old, her mother or other elders would repeatedly be grinding with rice grains over the girl's earlobe to numb it, then pierce it with the tip of a needle, and then wear a piece…

Wu Yanni's (吴艳妮) Journey to the Paris Olympics In the realm of athletics, where discipline and determination reign supreme, few stories captivate the imagination like that of Wu Yanni. From her early days in a military family to the bustling tracks of international competition, Wu Yanni has emerged not only as a formidable athlete but also as a cultural icon challenging norms. Wu Yanni's profile on the official Paris Olympics website reads like a testament to her star status. Detailed sections outline her hobbies, including jazz dance, Pilates, and shopping, painting a picture of a well-rounded individual beyond the track. Her family background, education at Beijing Sport University, and proficiency in languages further highlight her diverse interests and accomplishments. The Early Years: Nurturing a Champion Born into a military family, Wu Yanni was influenced by her grandfather's belief that girls should be strong. This upbringing steered her towards athletics from a young age, initially through dance and later through track and field. Her transition to hurdling under coach Yang Hui marked a turning point, shaping her into the athlete she is today. Wu Yanni's journey hasn't been without challenges. A setback during the 2022 Asian Games, where she was disqualified for a…

Oral health has always been important in the rich fabric of human history. The way ancient civilizations approached dental care provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the diverse practices that shaped the maintenance of healthy teeth over centuries. In this exploration, we turn our attention to the oral hygiene habits of ancient Asian cultures, seeking to unravel the secrets behind their enduring smiles. From herbal remedies to unique techniques, these societies employed a variety of methods to ensure their dental well-being, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire. The Nightly Ritual Among the intriguing practices of ancient Asian cultures was their commitment to a comprehensive nightly dental routine. Imagine stepping back in time and observing the meticulous care individuals took before drifting into the realm of dreams. In the quiet hours of the evening, an ancient Asian might have engaged in a ritual that involved not just cleaning but also aligning their teeth. It’s like nighttime aligners but crafted from natural materials like bamboo or animal bones and worn during sleep to encourage proper tooth alignment. This innovative approach to orthodontics speaks volumes about the emphasis placed on dental aesthetics even in ancient times. Herbal Elixirs…

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) gave birth to the oriental style top that is very suitable for modern wear, and when you see the Song Dynasty Hanfu, you know that the ancients could be so fashionable. Daily Oriental Style Top Many people think of long dresses, wide sleeves, and loose robes when they talk about Chinese Hanfu clothing. It's these stereotypes that make many people who want to try on Hanfu lose faith in the idea that they are all like this and not at all convenient to wear. In fact, the Hanfu also has daily form, such as the Song style Hanfu, which is not only good looking, but also suitable for daily wear. The Song dynasty is more repressed about human nature for ideological reasons, so both the literary and costume aspects are gradually becoming very simple and daily. Of course, this is just to say that it was the Song Dynasty clothes of the time, now we see the Song style Hanfu, although the form is correct, the fabric and pattern of the clothes have been improved, more in line with the modern people's aesthetic. Classic Matching (1) During the Song Dynasty, girls wore the most: airplane sleeve…

At the moment when the story of "Blossoms Shanghai" is about to come to an end, "Like a Flowing River Season 3" welcomes its final chapter. Both dramas, set against the backdrop of China's society in the 1980s and 1990s, present different facets of that era from different perspectives and expressive styles. They both refine grand themes into the lives of individual characters, stories, and emotions, allowing contemporary audiences to resonate with the era conveyed in the drama.   Two interpreting of the sense of the times Factors such as simultaneous airing, similar time periods, and top-notch production teams make it inevitable to compare "Blossoms Shanghai" and "Like a Flowing River Season 3." It is obvious that although both dramas focus on the background of Chinese reform and modernization, they present completely different sensations. They represent two variations in the torrent of the times, creating different styles of the sense of the times between realism and romance. "Blossoms Shanghai" placing the power struggles of business and the emotional entanglements of relationships in the early 1990s urban Shanghai. Through the fluctuating lives of the young men and women in the business world, it reproduces the appearance of the Shanghai style in…

About the ancient Chinese women's makeup,  how ancient women actually groomed themselves? We don't really know. History has left many questions about traditional Chinese makeup: What did the real Yang Guifei look like? How did the pearl makeup of the Northern Song Dynasty evolve? What do the Ehuang, Huadian, and Yuanshan eyebrows refer to?   In August, the book "The Beauty of Chinese Makeup (中国妆容之美)" was published. The book shows the makeup of women from the pre-Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, in which 29 groups of real restored makeup charts are particularly eye-catching, from hair to jewelry, from lip color to eyebrow shape, every detail, after informative testimony. One of the authors of this book, Chen Shiyu (陈诗宇), who is the costume consultant for National Treasures and Serenade of Peaceful Joy, has been engaged in the research of ancient Chinese costume restoration and crafts research for more than ten years. In his eyes, the process of restoring ancient figures looks is like solving a case, complicated but fun. Chen Shiyu paints vintage makeup for models   In the program "National Treasure", Princess Wencheng played by Yang Zi and the Ya Ya played by Tong Liya, broke the inherent impression…

As for the most powerful woman in ancient China, Wu Zetian must be mentioned. From the time she entered the palace to the time she abdicated, Wu Zetian's life spanned nearly seven decades from the early Tang Dynasty to the peak of the Tang Dynasty, nearly a quarter of the reign of the Tang Dynasty. With the overall national power, economy, customs, and even climate change of various factors, this period of court makeup, whether the overall aesthetic, or makeup, hair, jewelry, and even clothing, have undergone huge changes. As a woman who eventually rose to the top of imperial politics, Wu Zetian had the powerful energy for changing the makeup fashion of the day.   01 From the simple charm of the old dynasty Wu Zetian was born in the seventh year of Wu De (624), and entered the palace at the age of fourteen in the eleventh year of Zhenguan (637). After twelve years as a concubine, she followed the other concubines without children into the Temple of Sensationalism as a nun. The style of Tang women's clothing in the Zhenguan period was similar to that of the late Northern dynasty and Sui, advocating a slender figure and…

The initial attraction to "The Story of Suzhou" was its poetic poster. The ancient city’s flowing water, misty bridges, and a beautiful woman standing on a stone slab, separated from the bustling city, captivated many. The poster featured a couplet: "In spring, Suzhou's greenery spans the river, stone bridges and red towers remain unchanged." As the premiere approached, this poetic atmosphere only intensified. The official social media account wrote: "Unveiling the splendor of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage, weaving a new chapter of millennia-old cultural lineage." Lead actress Xiao Yan said, "Within the opening and closing of scenes, one sees the beauty of intangible heritage, and encounters the vibrant life of Jiangnan in the streets and alleys." In today's extensive audio-visual entertainment landscape, how should cultural and tourism micro-dramas position themselves? What role should these short dramas play in promoting local culture and tourism? "The Story of Suzhou" provides the answer: a key, that fully unlocks the audience's curiosity and desire to explore. Literature once played this role. Wang Anyi casually wrote in her book, "The moonlight in Suzhou seems especially cool and smooth, people feel refreshingly clear, even sleep is clear and bright," sparking readers' longing. "The Story of Suzhou"…

To choose a representative of ancient Chinese beauty, Yang Guifei (杨贵妃/杨玉环, Yang Yuhuan) would probably be one of the most highly acclaimed candidates. As one of the Four Beauties, her romantic legend with Emperor Xuanzong has been repeatedly sung, and anecdotes about the consort and written accounts of her appearance, as well as related paintings, operas, and theatrical stage performances, are commonplace. For thousands of years, literati and people have been curious about the beauty and makeup of the consort. What is the real makeup style of Yang Guifei? If we only speculate from the descriptions of later texts, we may not get the real results. Aesthetics are always changing, and the benchmark for judgment is also changing. Yang Guifei look in modern cdrama But large-scale archaeological excavations over the past half-century or so, especially the hundreds of realistic ceramic figurines, murals and silk paintings unearthed in the tombs of nobles during the Xuanzong era, have allowed us to scientifically summarize the aesthetic tendencies and changes in the figure and makeup of noblewomen during the decades of the Tang dynasty, Kaiyuan (开元), and Tianbao (天宝). Among them are many court paintings of Yang Guifei during her stay in the palace,…

Beyond Sightseeing: Unveiling China's Trend Towards Deep Travel Experiences In July, the peak of summer vacation season, travelers in China are increasingly seeking immersive and unique experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. According to data from Meituan, a leading travel platform, there has been a significant rise in demand for deep travel experiences across the country. From exploring local markets to delving into cultural heritage sites, travelers are opting for personalized and enriching journeys that offer insights into the heart of Chinese culture. From the Plateau to the Plains: Hotspots of Summer Travel in China The top destinations for deep travel experiences this summer include Dali, Pingtan, and Rongcheng. These locations have seen a surge in bookings for activities such as local market tours, in-depth cultural explorations, and visits to historical landmarks. The trend reflects a shift towards exploring lesser-known regions and experiencing authentic local life. The Rise of Integrated Travel Experiences: Where Culture Meets Adventure In regions like Shangri-La, which translates to "the sun and moon in one's heart," travelers are embracing unique accommodations such as Tibetan-style guesthouses. These establishments not only offer a place to stay but also provide cultural immersion through activities like traditional Tibetan dress-up and local cuisine…

Cheongsams, also known as qipao in Mandarin, are one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of traditional Chinese clothing. With their sleek silhouettes, intricate designs, and rich history, cheongsams have captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of cheongsams, exploring their origins, how to wear them, the different styles available, fun facts, and where to buy these timeless pieces. Origin of Cheongsams The cheongsam has its roots in the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) of China. Initially worn by the Manchu ethnic minority, the cheongsam evolved over time to become popular among Han Chinese women as well. Originally known as 'qipao' in Mandarin, the term 'cheongsam' is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of the same characters. During the 1920s and 1930s, the cheongsam underwent a transformation, adapting Western influences and incorporating modern elements into its design. It became a symbol of modernity and elegance, worn by urban women in China and gaining popularity internationally. How to Wear Cheongsams Wearing a cheongsam requires careful attention to fit and style to achieve the perfect look. Here are some tips on how to wear a cheongsam: Fit: A well-fitted cheongsam should hug the…

April Flower Peony In traditional Chinese culture, each month is represented by a flower, and the Peony is the magnificent flower that represents the month of April. Known as the King of Flowers, the Peony is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and honor. First used as a valuable medicine in ancient times, the Peony was later cultivated in large scale by people in Northern and Southern Dynasties, and eventually introduced to royals in the Sui Dynasty. However, it was in the Tang Dynasty where the Peony truly flourished. During the prosperous Tang Empire, Peony flowers were cultivated everywhere, from royal palaces to civilians' gardens. Its glossy, large, colorful, and fragrant blooms were widely praised and portrayed, becoming a representative of the flourishing Tang Dynasty. Peony art, including poems, paintings, artworks, cosmetics, peony pattern jewelry, and decorations, all flourished during this period as well. It's no surprise that the Peony became one of the most popular flowers in China and is still highly regarded today. The stunning beauty and rich history of the Peony have made it a prominent figure in Chinese culture, and the Flower Goddess of April. Its vibrant colors and elegant form have inspired art and literature for centuries,…